Krishnapingala Sankashti Chaturthi
Also called: Krishnapingala Ganesha Chaturthi
Dedicated to Krishnapingala Ganesha ('the dark and tawny-complexioned form'). Falling in the weeks before Chaturmas begins, it encourages inner detachment and spiritual discipline.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Jyeshtha (Amanta); Ashadha (Purnimanta)
- Deities
- Lord Ganesha (Krishnapingala Peetha), Chandra Dev
The story
When gods found themselves caught in webs of infatuation and attachment, they prayed to Krishnapingala Ganesha. His divine discernment severed their attachments, restoring their commitment to duty and righteous action.
Practices
- Observing silence (mauna) during portions of the daytime
- Offering fresh durva grass and seasonal jamun fruit
- Prayers dedicated to shedding unwholesome attachments
Regional variations
- Marks the start of rigorous monsoon dietary disciplines in Maharashtra and Goa
Common questions
- What is the spiritual lesson of Krishnapingala Ganesha?
- He teaches freedom from the illusions of attachment, encouraging seekers to value eternal spiritual truth over fleeting attractions.
Types of Sankashti Chaturthi
- Lambodara Sankashti ChaturthiKrishna Chaturthi of Pausha/Magha
- Dwijapriya Sankashti ChaturthiMagha (Amanta); Phalguna (Purnimanta)
- Bhalachandra Sankashti ChaturthiPhalguna (Amanta); Chaitra (Purnimanta)
- Vikata Sankashti ChaturthiChaitra (Amanta); Vaishakha (Purnimanta)
- Ekadanta Sankashti ChaturthiVaishakha (Amanta); Jyeshtha (Purnimanta)
- Vibhuvana Sankashti ChaturthiAdhik Maas (only in years with an extra lunar month)
- Krishnapingala Sankashti ChaturthiJyeshtha (Amanta); Ashadha (Purnimanta)
- Gajanana Sankashti ChaturthiAshadha (Amanta); Shravana (Purnimanta)
- Heramba Sankashti ChaturthiShravana (Amanta); Bhadrapada (Purnimanta)
- Vighnaraja Sankashti ChaturthiBhadrapada (Amanta); Ashwin (Purnimanta)
- Vakratunda Sankashti ChaturthiAshwin (Amanta); Kartik (Purnimanta)
- Ganadhipa Sankashti ChaturthiKartik (Amanta); Margashirsha (Purnimanta)
- Akhuratha Sankashti ChaturthiMargashirsha (Amanta); Pausha (Purnimanta)
- Angarki Sankashti ChaturthiTuesday (Mangalwar) coinciding with Krishna Chaturthi